Easter {he is risen}

Jesus is Alive!

Lilly was in bed the other day excitingly sharing the good news to her Minnie and friends (they share her bed nightly). "Jesus is alive!", she exclaimed and what goodness it did for my heart. Easter obviously went by and she learned it wasn't just about the bunny, eggs and candy. Thankful for a learning heart and a church who also teaches the good news. 

Easter weekend we went to Jordan's home for a true Romanian feast and egg hunt. Oana and her sister Rah prepared a spread for lunch, two thumbs up from a hungry pregnant mama. ;) We enjoyed our visit and as usual they spoiled my girl. Aunt Oana, aka Zia, and Yaya both had baskets for the kids filled with goodies. I doubt my child has ever seen or consumed so much chocolate. Lately, I have energy to care about certain battles and this was a battle I wasn't fighting. Eat your chocolate bunny heart out, it's a holiday. Come bedtime I was kicking myself for not caring to fight that battle! ;)

consuming her fair share and mine and her daddy's and... of chocolate.

The Egg hunt was at an old fort, very organized, and so much fun for the kids. Thank you Kriners for having us up and celebrating Easter with us. 

Jaxx and Lilly Rose at the egg hunt

Coloring eggs Easter weekend with Yaya

Coloring eggs Easter weekend with Yaya
(THANK YOU, YAYA! I was not up to the task that day.)

Sunday morning Lilly was so excited about the Easter bunny coming. She enjoyed learning in church and we had a yummy lunch with family.  

Easter Basket Goodies
(notice two swings in the background, there's a lot of baby things multiplying around here!)

My girl

such a lady ;)

Sunday School crafts

A Spoken Word

The past 12+ months Billy and I have been on another journey with our fertility doctor in hopes of baby bird #2. Going down this road for the second time in one way was easier because we have our blessing, Lilly Rose, to keep me distracted. On the other hand my heart ached so deeply in a different way. I yearned for another baby like I've yearned before but this time I wanted it not just for Billy and I, but for Lilly Rose as well. The deep emotions felt with infertility are raw, painful and a gut wrenching ache. It's a HARD time when you cannot shake the desire and treatments are not working. Through this time and after several failed cycles I tried to come to a place of peace if we were meant to be a family of three. A tough pill to swallow.

On our final attempt (we agreed to a certain number of tries before ending this journey), I felt weary. It's rare I like a bath (I've never been a bath girl) but on a particular night during our final 2 week wait (the two weeks you wait after treatment to find out if it worked) I decided a hot bath, candles and quietness was necessary. After feeling relaxed I laid in bed in a quiet house. Billy was working and Lilly Rose was asleep. It's also rare the house is quiet. Usually I use my free mama time to catch up on my favorite shows (umm Isn't Shonda Rhimes on fire, Scandal is so good!). While laying there I prayed asking God to prepare my heart if this cycle fails. Thanking Him for all He's done, I know there's a purpose for all of it. While I was sharing my heart I heard God speak, loud and clear. Genesis 4. I continued praying and ignored the voice thinking it was odd scripture to hear for what we are going through. Brooke, genesis 4. I finally listen. I'm so stubborn. I grabbed my Bible off the night stand.

Genesis 4:1 

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

She conceived! I about dropped my Bible. Thank you God for the encouragement I needed to hear! I believe with all my heart God told me in that moment Billy and I would have another baby. I wasn't sure if that meant this particular cycle, but I knew He was promising us another baby. Do you know what happened a few days later? Our pregnancy test was positive! What an amazing sight to see a positive test after so many negatives thrown away in disappointment. How awesome is God!?! I'm so excited to have the God of the universe speak to me. All I need to do is slow down. Turn everything off and just listen!!! 

A couple days later we had blood work confirming we were indeed pregnant and then on my mamas Birthday, November 25th, we got the surprise of our lives. It's twins!! Still, months later, shocked but so thankful God saw us fit to bless us with 3 children knowing it was our hearts desire from the start.

I am thrilled to share that our sweet miracle is going to be a big sister! We have a baby BOY and GIRL on the way this summer. My heart is so very full!!!! Thank you, Jesus

Happy Birthday, Lilly Rose! {3}

three!!!

I wrote this to Lilly just before her Birthday... 

Lilly Rose,

Your mama's heart cannot fathom that you are three! You're a very smart, funny, quirky, full of life little girl that radiates joy. I've never met such a happy go lucky, lover of life person like your little self. It's a breath of fresh air for our family. You are surely my sunshine! 

Your favorite things at the moment are Mary Poppins, musicals, Minnie Mouse, dancing to music (seriously my little Broadway girlie in the making), shoes, carrying your purse and giggling. You're always up for a good time and like to stay on the go. Some of our favorite places to frequent are: the green store (publix), target, yayas house, the beach, church, and the park. Your favorite foods haven't changed too much as you're still a picky eater: applesauce, chicken nuggets, raisins, Greek strawberry yogurt, green apples and pizza. Lately you've been trying new things and finally taking bites of those colorful veggies. Yay for trying carrots! ;) Seriously it's our worst battle and for that being our only daily struggle, I'll take it! 

Favorite activities include taking walks, checking the mail, riding your tricycle, playing play doh, coloring, art projects, dancing while watching chitty chitty bang bang, dancing with daddy to his guitar, playing kitchen and helping me in the kitchen prepping meals and baking. We have so much fun, I'm one blessed mama to stay home with you. 

You can count to 20, name all your colors shapes and fruits and veggies. Sing lyrics to lots of songs and undress some of your clothes without help. Ride your tricycle, help with chores (you love helping with laundry and cleaning the kitchen). 

You are my little lover of life. I couldn't love you more baby girl! To the moon and back a  million times. Happy Birthday Mama's Baby! 

Love, 

Mama

Birthday Morning

Her Birthday was spent at Billy's sisters home, Aunt JoAnn & Uncle Scott's. We spent a few days at their home and enjoyed our time visiting. Aunt JoAnn treated Lilly to her first Chucky Cheese experience. Mine too since the 80s. I was dealing with morning sickness and so our hope to spend the day at the Magic Kingdom was out. Lilly had no idea of our original plan so Chucky Cheese worked. She didn't seem 100% herself though but I figured she was overwhelmed. That night she came down with a high fever. Out of nowhere. She was pitiful and I was so worried for her but after some meds, bath and sleep she was much better by Birthday morning. Still not herself but much better! So glad we didn't end up going to Disney after seeing how she felt.

She really liked the slide

We celebrated with gifts, lunch and a Minnie Mouse cake. Her love for Minnie is still very strong. 

Birthday morning right after waking up ;)

Cheesin' with daddy

My hearts

She was appeasing me

Cake time - she waited all morning for this moment.

"Chocolate Minnie Mouse cake with pink and purple" - Her Aunt Jo delivered on her exact request.

Later in the afternoon we packed up and headed to Yaya's for another celebration with the family. The Kriner crew was already in town for Christmas so Lilly was happy to party again. Still not 100% but no fever. Overall I'd say she had a great day because she still (months later) tells me about it. :) 

Sweet baby traveling from one party to another.

Papa showing her a new minnie cup

'Happy Birthday to you...' - her look while we sang to her.

Blowing out candles with yaya

Cutting cake for her first time

Uncle Jordan serving her a piece 

presents!

Carlo and Jaxx

A special (long awaited) Minnie Mouse pedicure given to her by Aunt Oana.
She was SO excited about her toes. :)

What Lilly is up to at three:

Lilly is very aware she is going to be a big sister. Seems extremely excited and likes to ask about the babies and calls them by name. 

Loves cuddling, holding hands and patting me. Not sure if this is due to pregnancy or just a phase. Either way, I'll take it!

Loves play doh, watching movies and dressing up. 

Says daddy is her favorite and "he's a good man!"

A month later, she's still talking about her birthday. She tells me who gave her what and how much she looooves it. She remembers everything. 

Asks "are you okay mama?"

Always lends a helping hand. 

Enjoys laughing. A lot. 

Really into Disney Princesses. (This is so exciting for this mama and I'm enjoying this with her). Very much into Snow White. Probably her favorite princess. Tiana is a close second. 

I'm Lilly rose bird. She's very adamant about this if you say something like "you are a great lunch date." "No, I'm Lilly Rose Bird" "you're a sweet girl" "I'm not a sweet girl, I'm Lilly Rose Bird". Hysterical to me. 

Happy Happy Birthday, sweet girl. You are SO MUCH FUN and we love you to pieces. xo

Better late than never {Winter}

So I was going to give up blogging all together and decided I am just not ready. It's the only space i document Lilly and our happenings; so for family book purposes I will tread on. A lot has transpired since Thanksgiving so let's get started. 

Lilly Rose turned 3 on December 23! Three! I will have to do a entire post just on her birthday but wanted to mention it before diving into Christmastime. Even though the entire week is merged and becomes one big celebratory week of fun. 

Ready for Church

Annual Santa Picture

Girls' night with friends

We had such a wonderful Christmas season. Lilly visited Santa, we took a train ride to Santa's wonderland, made Christmas treats, drove around looking at all the beautiful lights, shopped & most importantly celebrated our Saviors birth! 

Santa Express

The cousins with Santa

:)

Train Ride

Christmas Eve we spent the night as a whole family, a first for all of us, at Papa and Yaya's. It was lots of fun, good food and too many presents. Seriously. Having everyone together was really nice and a rare treat. It was also pure chaos so my pictures are very limited. It was nice spending time with Jordan, Oana, Carlo & Jaxx at mom and dads. Lilly Rose especially enjoyed the excitement and cousins. My girl loves and lives for a party. She was in her element. 

Traditional Christmas Eve Present before bed

Jaxx helping himself, such a cutie.

Cousin Love

Jaxx and Lilly Rose

Christmas Morning

Christmas AM - yaya's yummy sugar cookies

Jordan and Jaxx

Presents

See how she's opening the paper? Strip by strip. The longest event, ever. This girl really savors the opening suspense.

My guys :) 

Prepared for Mom's Italian Feast!

 The new year brought me 35, wasn't that nice? Actually age doesn't really bother me anymore. Turning 40 may but the 30s have been wonderful and quite liberating. We celebrated with a Mexican dinner on the island. My favorite. Only thing missing was my beloved margarita. Well worth the sacrifice as I was 11 weeks pregnant that day! A huge blessing and miracle that I will share in an upcoming post. 

We shopped all day. Isn't that how a Birthday should be spent? ;)

Petit Fours for desert

Valentine's Day was spent with the cousins making memories at Yaya's. Billy was sure to have treats waiting for us that morning as he had to work early. We enjoyed the afternoon as a family.

Thankful for such a fantastic winter season and that the sun is on the way. I've missed my flip flops! ;)